Human Reproduction 2011

Dr Rob Gilchrist

D.Sc.Agr.(Ger)

University of Adelaide

Dr Robert Gilchrist is an oocyte biologist whose research encompasses basic and applied aspects of ovarian folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development. He conducts basic discovery research on oocyte-somatic cell interactions as a determinant of subsequent embryonic development. He has determined that oocyte secretion of GDF9 and BMP15 is responsible for differentiation of granulosa cells into cumulus cells. Dr Gilchrist also manages an applied research program with the objectives of improving oocyte IVM technologies in animals and women. This technology has important practical implications as an alternative to hormone-stimulated IVF as the predominate treatment of human infertility.

Dr Gilchrist completed his D.Sc.Agr. (Magna cum laude) in 1996 on oocyte maturation at the University of Göttingen in Germany, and then returned to Australia to take up a post-doctoral position at the University of Adelaide. In 2006 he was awarded a NHMRC RD Wright Fellowship and is currently a Senior Lecturer based at the University of Adelaide. He has published 52 peer-reviewed papers including 12 reviews/chapters. He currently has an H-index of 23 with 1,246 total citations. He has been awarded AUS$2.8 million in competitive category 1 grant funding as CIA plus AUS$1.4 million in commercial funding. Dr Gilchrist has received 20 international invitations (17 fully funded) to give plenary lectures and 12 national plenary invitations. He has had seven PhD/Masters graduates and has mentored four early/mid career researchers. Dr Gilchrist sits on two scientific advisory boards and co-established and is the Co-Director of IVF Vet Solutions, a university business unit.